Canadian M3 with questions about H1b vs. J1

[canadiangirl12]

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Hi Everyone,
I am currently an M3 student studying at a US medical school. I met an American Citizen in medical school who I have been dating for the past 2 years, and we are planning on doing a couples match together. I know this is going to be difficult because of the issues I pose needing a visa to stay over here. Our intention is to get married eventually, but we are definitely not ready to do so prior to medical school ending. I also am not prepared to take any time off between med school and residency. I am planning on applying to internal medicine, and I am strong candidate (Step 1- 266, AOA member, some research), but I don't know how much that plays into the ease of getting sponsored for a visa. With this in mind, I have a few questions I would love some feedback on:

1) Is it really that bad to get a J1 if I want to stay over here? I know that there is a 2 year requirement to go back to Canada, but I also know there are ways to get waivers. Since I am going into IM, is it reasonable to bank on getting a waiver by working in an underserved area, or is it still pretty risky? I know its much easier to get a J-1, especially if I want to go to a top notch program, so if a waiver is a near certainty in this field, I am fine going with the J-1.

2) Do all programs that sponsor H1bs allow you to do your first year on OPT? I really don't want to have to rush to do my Step 3, and I don't want to take time off.

3) If I get married while on an H1b, can I apply for permanent residency/green card? I am planning on meeting with an immigration lawyer in the near future, but would love to get feeedback from someone who has gone through this from the medical perspective.

4) If I am interested in a program, and they say they do not sponsor H1bs, is this set in stone? If I am a strong candidate can I request an H1b from an institution? I guess I am wondering if exceptions are ever made based on qualifications.

I appreciate any advice anyone can give!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Hi Everyone,
I am currently an M3 student studying at a US medical school. I met an American Citizen in medical school who I have been dating for the past 2 years, and we are planning on doing a couples match together. I know this is going to be difficult because of the issues I pose needing a visa to stay over here. Our intention is to get married eventually, but we are definitely not ready to do so prior to medical school ending. I also am not prepared to take any time off between med school and residency. I am planning on applying to internal medicine, and I am strong candidate (Step 1- 266, AOA member, some research), but I don't know how much that plays into the ease of getting sponsored for a visa. With this in mind, I have a few questions I would love some feedback on:

1) Is it really that bad to get a J1 if I want to stay over here? I know that there is a 2 year requirement to go back to Canada, but I also know there are ways to get waivers. Since I am going into IM, is it reasonable to bank on getting a waiver by working in an underserved area, or is it still pretty risky? I know its much easier to get a J-1, especially if I want to go to a top notch program, so if a waiver is a near certainty in this field, I am fine going with the J-1.

You really want an H1B. Although you can presumably get a waiver, you might be limited in the type of job you can get, or where you might be able to work. It might be impossible to get the job you want, and this could affect your partner too. Plus, getting statements of need (which you need for a J1) from some of the provinces in Canada can be difficult (although I've been told that this process may become easier in the future). Most importantly, getting married while on a J1 will NOT void your 2 year commitment. You will not be able to get a green card until this is addressed.

2) Do all programs that sponsor H1bs allow you to do your first year on OPT? I really don't want to have to rush to do my Step 3, and I don't want to take time off.

Yes. You can't possibly get an H1B fast enough. You can't take Step 3 until after you actually graduate from medical school. You'll do your internship year on OPT, get an H1b for PGY2+

3) If I get married while on an H1b, can I apply for permanent residency/green card? I am planning on meeting with an immigration lawyer in the near future, but would love to get feeedback from someone who has gone through this from the medical perspective.

Yes. But NOT on a J. See a lawyer before you do anything. It's complicated, and easy to screw up.

4) If I am interested in a program, and they say they do not sponsor H1bs, is this set in stone? If I am a strong candidate can I request an H1b from an institution? I guess I am wondering if exceptions are ever made based on qualifications.

Maybe. Some programs offer only J's. Some offer H1b's to students in your situation -- international students on F visas at US medical schools. Both may advertise "J only", so it's worth asking. You should ask BEFORE you interview, if a J isn't acceptable.

 

[PistolPete]

All above is accurate, as I just went thru the match process (dating but also not thinking marriage to a US citizen at this point). I do want to stay and work in the US long-term. The program where I matched actually initially stated J1 only, EVEN DURING MY INTERVIEW, and then when I pressed a little more afterwards, I found out that they were willing to sponsor an H1b for me as I am a Canadian from a US med school. A lot of individuals are misinformed so you have to go straight to the GME to ask someone who is in charge and knowledgeable.

But yes, shoot for H1b, even if it means less desirable location, over a J1. Much more options long term, and less hassle if you want to get married to a US citizen.

 

[canadiangirl12]

Thank you so much for the feedback! It's been very helpful!

 

[Pads]

Please do not use recruiters especially mdopts.org. Had a very bad experience. The lady is ruthless and preys on desperate IMG's. I am completing my fellowship and feel completed cheated. Regards.